BMW has taken the wraps off a new limited-production M850i First Edition variant, with just eight units set aside for South Africa. Based on the M850i xDrive coupé, the 8 Series First Edition gains various “BMW Individual” equipment features both inside and out.

A total of 400 examples will be produced at the firm’s Dingolfing plant between April and June 2019, with eight coming to South Africa from the second quarter of 2019. Local pricing for this latest derivative has yet to be released, but we do have pricing for the standard coupé and convertible.

The M850i First Edition is finished in a newly developed paint colour called Frozen Barcelona Blue metallic. The fresh hue is combined with the high-gloss Shadow Line package, which includes black finishes for the kidney grille frame and slats, the air breather applications and the tailpipe trims, in addition to the side window surrounds.

A set of 20-inch M light alloy wheels with a Y-spoke design is also included, finished in Jet Black. An “M Carbon” roof and an “M Carbon” exterior package, meanwhile, are optionally available.

Inside the M850i First Edition, you’ll find full Merino leather trim in Ivory White/Night Blue as well as a leather-covered steering wheel and Alcantara roof liner. Added black trim elements bearing the lettering “First Edition 1/400” are also present, along with a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system, plus glass applications for the start/stop button, the iDrive controller, the volume control and the gearshift lever.

The limited-edition model is powered by the same twin-turbo 4,4-litre V8 petrol engine as the standard M850i, linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission and sending 390 kW and 750 N.m (the latter between 1 800 and 4 600 r/min) to all four corners. The obligatory zero to 100 km/h dash is completed in a claimed 3,7 seconds, while top speed comes in at 250 km/h.

Ryan has spent most of his career in online media, writing about everything from sport to politics and other forms of crime. But his true passion – reignited by a 1971 Austin Mini Mk3 still tucked lifeless in a dark corner of his garage – is of the automotive variety.